A person who laced candy with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children who were nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepchild contacted the police about his worries.
She explained Ruben proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The legal representative said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police again.
She explained the defendant then played the "treat game" in a room of five children.
